Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

A fast-moving fire tore through several apartments at a complex in Old Bridge, N.J., Thursday morning. Some residents lost everything. Lori Bordonaro reports. (Published Friday, May 4, 2012)

Updated at 6:53 PM EST on Thursday, May 3, 2012

A fire erupted at a senior citizens apartment complex on Thursday morning in central New Jersey, destroying several units but causing no injuries.

The flames broke out at Cheesequake Village Retirement Community at around 10:30 a.m. The fire was under control more than an hour later.

Old Bridge police Capt. Arthur Carullo said three of the ten units were destroyed and the others sustained damage. No injuries were reported, and only one resident needed emergency housing.

Margaret Malinowski, whose home was destroyed in the fire, wasn't inside when the blaze started. She said she left in the morning to attend a seminar and returned to find fire trucks outside her home.

"I have no idea what happened," said Malinowski, who'd lived there 33 years. "All I know is everything is gone."

Vincent Fiore, whose home is next to Malinowski's, said his apartment wasn't destroyed, but it had significant smoke and water damage. He said he had family nearby he planned to stay with while his apartment was being repaired. Overall, he's just glad that no one was hurt.

"That's the main thing," he said.

Officials are trying to determine what caused the blaze and where it started.

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.